Weight plate

Abstract

An improved weight plate includes a planar body having a central opening for receiving a barbell or dumbbell bar therethrough. The weight plate includes oppositely facing flange members extending partially about the perimeter of the weight plate. The opposed ends of the flange members are spaced from each other and define a gap therebetween. The flange members extend perpendicularly from both sides of the weight plate planar body about the perimeter thereof. The weight plate includes at least one opening formed adjacent the perimeter of the weight plate. The opening is adapted to receive one or more fingers of an average human hand for securely grasping and lifting the weight plate. Adjacent weight plates mounted on a barbell bar are adapted for interlocking engagement.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSUREThe present invention relates generally to physical fitness equipment, particularly to weight plates which may be used during weight lifting.The physical fitness industry has seen tremendous growth during the past couple of decades. A wide array of exercise apparatus is available to meet the needs of a growing population of consumers engaged in physical fitness activities. Some of the new exercise apparatus include high tech interactive features which can display sophisticated graphics and information for engaging and holding the attention of the user while he exercises. Little has changed however in the area of free weight exercises.Free weight exercises generally require weight plates for use with barbells and dumbbells. The weight plates are typically disc-shaped and include a center opening for receiving a barbell or dumbbell bar through the opening. Generally, a retention collar mounted onto the barbell or dumbbell bar retains the weight plate on the...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides an improved weight plate for use in physical fitness activities. The weight plate is designed to be easily moved from a flat surface and securely gripped. It includes a planar body with a central opening for receiving a barbell or dumbbell bar. Oppositely facing flange members extend partially about the perimeter of the weight plate and provide a gap for applying an axial force. The weight plate also has at least one notch or opening formed in the flange members to access a flat surface and apply an axial force. It can be interlocked with adjacent weight plates for added safety and secure gripping. The weight plate is designed to be easily moved from a flat surface and securely gripped."

Problems solved by technology

One major problem with free weight lifting and a cause of many accidental injuries is that it is difficult to pick up a weight plate, particularly disc-shaped plates having flat sides.

The problem, simply stated, is that a flat sided weight plate does not have a convenient hand hold to be grasped by the user for lifting it off a flat surface, such as a floor or a stack of weight plates.

Of course, the heavier the weight plate, the more difficult the lifting maneuver becomes.

Lifting a weight plate employing the generally accepted method described above can cause injury by slipping out of the grasp of the user and falling on toes or finger tips.

The same problem is encountered, however, when an individual attempts to lift the weight by the circumferential flange.

The typical weight plate is not only difficult to lift off a flat surface as noted above, but also difficult to hold and raise it up, perhaps to chest level, to mount the weight plate on an exercise apparatus.

Likewise, removing a weight plate from a relatively high position on an exercise apparatus is also difficult and if not done with care may result in injury to the individual removing the weight plate.

Another problem associated with weight plates having a circumferential upstanding flange on one or both sides of the weight plate, is that the weight plates mounted on the weight bar are not in facing contact.

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